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  • OPEC may include output quotas for Nigeria, Libya – Oman Oil Minister

    OPEC may include output quotas for Nigeria, Libya – Oman Oil Minister

    OPEC and other oil-producing states could set quotas on oil production for Nigeria at 1.8 million barrels per day and for Libya at one million barrels per day, Oman ’s Minister of Oil and Gas Mohammed Rumhi said Thursday.

    Later in the day, the oil and energy ministers of all the parties to the oil output cut deal between the OPEC and a group of non-cartel states will hold a meeting in Vienna to discuss the future of the accord and its potential extension.

    Ahead of the meeting, the Austrian capital hosted the session of the Joint OPEC-Non-OPEC Ministerial Monitoring Committee ( JMMC ) established to control the implementation of the accord.

    “I think they will try today to put a number for them [Libya and Nigeria], to try to get an agreement.

    “Like last [time] you remember, I think, [the quota of] Nigeria was 1.8 [million barrels per day], [and the quota of] Libya – like one million barrels per day.

    “So maybe today we will try to confirm that,” Rumhi said.

    The oil producers’ JMMC on oil output cuts has recommended to extend the deal between OPEC and non-OPEC states by nine months, the minister told reporters answering a corresponding question.

    OPEC and several non-cartel oil producers reached a deal in the Austrian capital of Vienna in 2016, agreeing to cut oil output by a total of 1.8 million barrels per day in an effort to stabilise global oil prices.

    Non-OPEC states pledged to jointly reduce oil output by 558,000 barrels per day, with Russia pledging to cut production by 300,000 barrels daily.

    In May, the deal was prolonged for nine more months, until the end of March 2018.

    Libya and Nigeria, both OPEC member states are exempted from the obligation to cut production within the deal.

    NAN

    Read Also: Budget 2018 at risk as OPEC mulls capping Nigeria’s output at 1.8m bpd

  • Davido wins “Best African Act” at MOBO Awards

    Davido wins “Best African Act” at MOBO Awards

    Nigeria’s ace singer David Adeleke, a.k.a Davido, has won the “Best African Act”, at the 2017 edition of the prestigious Music of Black Origin ( MOBO ) Awards.

    The 22nd MOBO Awards was held on Wednesday night at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, United Kingdom.

    David edged out Wizkid, Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Maleek Berry and others to pitch the “Best African Act” award.

    Nigeria’s star boy, Wizkid who did not disappoint his fans also won the Best International Act, beating top artists like Drake, SZA, Cardi B, JAY-Z and Kendrick Lamar,among others.

    On the international scene, English grime and Hip Hop artist, Stormzy, was the biggest winner of the night winning in three prestigious categories – “Best Male Artist”, “Best Grime Act” and “Best Album”.

    Dave emerged as the “Best Newcomer” edging out Jorja Smith, Kojo Funds, Stefflon Don, Yxng Bane, and others while “Best Song” went to J Hus for his chart-topping song titled “Did You See.”

    NAN reports that MOBO Award show is held annually in the United Kingdom to recognise artists of any ethnicity or nationality performing black music.

    See the full list of winners below:
    Best Male Act: Stormzy
    Best Female Act: Stefflon Don
    Best Album: Stormzy – Gang Signs & Prayer
    Best Newcomer: Dave
    Best Song: J Hus – Did You See
    Best Video: Mist – Hot Property
    Best Hip-Hop Act: Giggs
    Best Grime Act: Stormzy
    Best R&B/Soul Act: Craig David
    Best International Act: Wizkid
    Best African Act: Davido
    Best Reggae Act: Damian Marley
    Best Jazz Act: Moses Boyd
    Best Gospel Act: Volney Morgan and New-Ye

    NAN

  • EPL: Sterling stunner keeps City clear, as chasing pack gets wins too

    EPL: Sterling stunner keeps City clear, as chasing pack gets wins too

    Just when the chasing pack thought the Manchester City juggernaut was suffering a misfire Raheem Sterling scored a stunning stoppage-time winner to give the English Premier League leaders a lift.

    They earned a 2-1 victory over Southampton on Wednesday to move to 40 points.

    With Manchester United having cut the gap to five points and Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool winning, any City stutter would have been cause for celebration.

    But Pep Guardiola’s side thundered on with a club record 12th successive league victory.

    Former Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu had cancelled out Kevin De Bruyne’s opener in the 75th minute.

    But six minutes into stoppage time Sterling, for the third match running, snatched City’s winner, this time with a sublime curling shot.

    Manager Antonio Conte was sent to the stands after a verbal meltdown at Stamford Bridge as his Chelsea side laboured to a 1-0 defeat of struggling Swansea City at Stamford Bridge.

    Antonio Rudiger’s first Premier League goal sealed victory.

    “I have apologised because I did the wrong thing,” Conte said of his angry reaction to a fourth official when his side were denied a corner kick in the first half.

    “I have been in to see them after the game. It’s right to speak and apologise with them.”

    Arsenal struck three goals in four second-half minutes as they thrashed Huddersfield Town 5-0 with Mesut Ozil scoring one and supplying assists for Olivier Giroud, who scored a brace, and Alexis Sanchez.

    Alexandre Lacazette’s early goal had separated the sides before the interval although the French striker went off with a suspected groin injury.

    He will probably miss Saturday’s home clash against Manchester United.

    Arsenal have won 12 consecutive home matches.

    Liverpool moved into fifth place with Mohamed Salah taking his tally for the season to a chart-topping 12, thanks to a double in a 3-0 victory at Stoke City.

    After 14 games City have 40 points, with United on 32, Chelsea 29, Arsenal 28 and Liverpool 26.

    Burnley are now sixth, ahead of a sliding Tottenham Hotspur, as Chris Wood and Robbie Brady scored in a 2-1 victory at Bournemouth — their fourth win in five league games.

    “Where we are in the league, everyone will be surprised by that,” Burnley boss Sean Dyche said.

    Wayne Rooney scored a hat-trick, the third with a wonder goal from inside his own half, as Everton thrashed West Ham United 4-0.

    It was a horrible return to Goodison Park for David Moyes whose West Ham side remained in the bottom three.

    Sam Allardyce, who will be named shortly as Everton’s new manager, watched on from the stands as caretaker boss David Unsworth signed off with a victory that lifted Everton to 13th.

    Whatever happens below them, City are looking unstoppable and with 40 points from 14 games and a goal difference of 35 they have recorded the best start in Premier League history.

    They were not at their fluent best and Southampton came closest to scoring before the break with Wesley Hoedt striking the woodwork for the visitors.

    But Sterling’s effort sparked wild celebrations at the Etihad as the former Liverpool player struck yet another late goal to take his tally for the season to 13.

    He has now earned City nine extra points this season with his timely interventions and his latest effort was arguably his best, picking out the top corner with an unstoppable effort.

    “Raheem is a match-winner, I am so happy for him. He is special, it was an amazing goal. It is more than important, it is beautiful,” Guardiola, whose side have dropped only two points this season, said.

    City are now two wins away from matching Arsenal’s record 14-match winning run in the Premier League.

    NAN

  • Ezekwesili wants financial literacy for students early

    Ezekwesili wants financial literacy for students early

    Dr Oby Ezekwesili, a formerMinister of Education, on Wednesday said Nigerian youth should be equipped with skills and knowledge that would aid their understanding of financial matters right from secondary school.

    Ezekwesili stated this at the 2017 Nigerian Stock Exchange Essay Competition Awards Ceremony in Lagos.

    “We need to offer children financial literacy before they get to senior secondary schools.

    “It help and guarantees the young ones to grow into adults that can achieve financial security and success, and make informed decisions,” she said.

    The ex-minister said an individual who has acquired financial literacy is considered financially secured and able to succeed.

    “We must handle our youths with tools such as financial literacy because for too long, we have been made the poorest region in the world,” she said.

    Ezekwesili said Nigeria needs a newer generation that would help in changing the story.

    “Every country that has managed to do better, every country that has climbed out of poverty, has improved in education.

    “The basis of improvement is quality education.

    “We should be more interested in the state of the school system in Nigeria.

    “Anytime I see these young children excelling, I feel excited because I really don’t want their generation to repeat all the failures of my generation and the generation before me.

    “I am so such optimistic that Africa can claim its place in the 21st century because of our young ones,” she said.

    Ezekwesili commended the stock exchange for its investment in the education sector and called for more support from the private sector.

    “We need a collective effort on education.

    “The more the stock exchange will lead this process, the more the private sector understands that if they will find world class talents in this country, they have to be interested in what goes on in the education; so, it becomes a collective effort,” she said.

    Mr Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, the Nigerian Stock Exchange said the NSE would continue to invest in and develop financial education in schools.

    Onyema said the NSE was committed to playing its part in building a financially savvy generation, leveraging the essay competition and other initiatives.

    According to him, teaching students at a very young age the basics of finance and the capital market is essential to their broad financial literacy education.

    “Year on year, the participation and interest continues to increase, affirming the appetite of these future leaders for personal development.

    “The 2017 edition had a 36 per cent increase from the 2016 one, with over 10,100 entries received nationwide.

    “Through partnerships with Access Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc and Prime Atlantic Energy, the competition was a success.

    “In developing the entries, students are encouraged to consider real-world economic events and trends, conduct research online, develop investment knowledge and in the process gain the skills to prepare for their own financial future,” he said.

    Onyema said the the 2017 winners emerged from a rigorous and phased assessment process carried out by capital market professionals.

    “From the process, 10 national winners were selected, who further competed at the final stage to determine the overall best three entries and winners,” he said.

    According to him, the outstanding performance of the brilliant young is being recognised and rewarded today with equity investments, scholarship and sets of computers.

    “It is a win for the students and their schools,” he said.

    NAN

  • EU calls for ‘equal rights’ for all in Myanmar’s troubled Rakhine

    EU calls for ‘equal rights’ for all in Myanmar’s troubled Rakhine

    Myanmar must guarantee “equal rights” for everyone in troubled Rakhine state as talks on repatriation of more than 620,000 Rohingya Muslims who have fled to Bangladesh gather steam, new EU ambassador to the country said on Thursday.

    Kristian Schmidt, who took over the European Union mission in Yangon some two months ago, also called on the administration of Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi to “break down barriers” between Buddhist and Muslim communities in Rakhine.

    He said the return of refugees should be voluntary and the involvement of the UN agencies in the repatriation process would be “extremely useful”.

    The initial deal struck by Bangladesh and Myanmar mentions the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, but does not specify its role.

    Schmidt said Myanmar must address the “root causes” of the Rakhine crisis, such as decades-long discrimination against the Rohingya population that included restrictions on movement and lack of access to proper education.

    “The primary priority, which is for the local authorities and the union government to establish rule of law, non-discriminatory civilian administration … and equal rights for everyone,” Schmidt told Reuters in an interview in Yangon.

    “There are root causes that must be addressed in Rakhine state so when the refugees return they do not return to the situation ex ante – this is not sustainable,” he said.

    The exodus of Rohingya was triggered by an army crackdown in response to Rohingya militant attacks on security forces on Aug. 25, attacks Schmidt referred to as “terrorism” and the EU has condemned.

    Schmidt said confining the Rohingya to villages reduced education opportunities and could have radicalized some.

    “You should not be surprised later that some of the elements of that population radicalises. Becomes increasingly desperate,” he said.

    Amid the army crackdown, scores of Rohingya villages were burnt and refugees have told reporters o f killings and rapes.

    The UN and the U.S. have both accused Myanmar of “ethnic cleansing”, a charge the country denies.

    In response to the army operation, Brussels suspended invitations to Myanmar army chief Min Aung Hlaing and senior army officers.

    “We are ready to review that decision at any time in light of positive or not-so-positive news.

    “We still of course understand the importance the military of Myanmar plays in Myanmar’s economic and democratic transition so dialogue is open,” said Schmidt.

    He added, however, that there was the need for accountability and reiterated the EU’s support for a UN- mandated fact-finding mission that Suu Kyi’s administration has opposed and blocked from operating in the country.

    He said:“there has to be a credible, independent investigation of the events that led 620,000 people to flee to quite horrible conditions on the other side of the border.

    “We need to know.”

    The Danish diplomat spoke on the sidelines of a conference promoting the EU’s “Erasmus+” programme of exchanges between university students.

    He wants Myanmar students to take part in it to help overhaul institutions as the country emerges from decades of isolation under military dictatorship.

    NAN

  • Dokpesi calls for unity among PDP members

    Dokpesi calls for unity among PDP members

    Chief Raymond Dokpesi, on Wednesday called for unity among Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) members in Oyo State, saying they needed to be together to regain power in the state.

    Dokpesi, national chairmanship aspirant of the party, made the call in Ibadan while interacting with executive committee members and stakeholders of the party in the state.

    He said that the party lost power in the state because its members were not united, thus making the party’s votes to be shared among other political parties where members defected to.

    He said that power could be regained in future elections if party members reunited and worked together.

    “If we had added all the votes from everyone, PDP would have won the government in Oyo State.

    “All of us that went to different groups, what did we get? If we had worked together, it would have been something.

    “So, I am going to appeal that I want to work with you; I want one united PDP to be able to win election in Oyo and thereafter, at the federal level. You can do it, so please let us work together. ”

    Let’s stop the quarrel, let us stop the bickering and work together,” Dokpesi said.

    He urged the delegates from the state, who would be at the December 9 convention to give him the needed support to become the party’s national chairman.

    Responding, Leader of the Oyo delegates, Dr Saka Balogun, advised Dokpesi to fight imposition if he emerged victorious at the convention.

    Read also: PDP will work for Nigeria’s unity – Dokpesi

    Balogun said that if not for imposition and impunity, some members of the party would not have left, “and those who defected would have returned and PDP would have won 2015 elections in the state.’’

    In his remarks, Chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Omokunmi Mustapha, said that Dokpesi had more than 70 per cent of what was required to lead PDP.

    NAN

  • Carzola suffers another injury setback

    Carzola suffers another injury setback

    Arsenal midfielder, Santi Carzola has announced that he would be having another surgery to address some discomfort in his Achilles.

    The 32-year-old Spanish international was set for a comeback this January having been ruled out since he picked up an injury in a Champions League match against Anderlecht last October.

    The new surgery would be the ninth for Carzola in the space of one year but the midfielder believes he’s  all it takes to play football again.

    Carzola said in a statement on Twitter: “Owing to discomfort in the tendon which has been bothering me for the last few days I’ve had to undergo surgery again.

    Read also: Arsenal won’t sell Ozil and Sanchez in January – Wenger

    “I will have to delay the date I am expected to return to action, I am still full of hope and motivated about being able to play football again, which is my great passion.

    Carzola’s injury has been described by his club Manager, Arsene Wenger as the worst he had seen in his entire career.

    In an interview with Marca last month, Carzola revealed that doctors told him there was a risk of losing his legs.

    Reports also had it that the former villareal and Malaga man has lost eight centimetres from the tendon in his right ankle.

     

     

  • Police rescue 3 kidnap victims in Ondo

    Police rescue 3 kidnap victims in Ondo

    The Police in Ondo State have rescued three victims who were recently kidnapped on Benin-Ore expressway.

    The Commissioner of Police, Mr Olugbenga Adeyanju, disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday in Akure.

    Adeyanju gave the names of the victims as: Timilehin Akomolafe, 18, Michael Popoola, 42 and Herry Usifo, 42.

    He said that the victims were rescued alive with the assistance of local hunters at about 6 p.m. on Tuesday in a forest along Ore expressway.

    “On November 24 at about 3:45 p.m., one Mr Akomolafe was traveling from Akure to Lagos to drop his son, Timilehin at the University of Lagos.

    “Unfortunately his jeep was intercepted by kidnappers and in the process, he was killed and his son was kidnapped.

    “The jeep right behind his vehicle was equally shot and the mobile policeman lost his life but the driver was fast enough to escape to safety when policemen came to the scene firing and the kidnappers ran away.

    “They took Timilehin and two other travelers, Popoola and Usifo, who were coming from Port Harcourt to Lagos in a commercial vehicle, and this happened almost simultaneously,” he said.

    Read also: Police arrest kidnappers, rescue victim in Ebonyi

    The commissioner said the kidnappers escaped with gunshot wounds after gun battle with policemen.

    According to him, the three victims were rescued alive, hale and hearty, adding that no ransom was paid.

    He said the rescued victims were giving police vital information to aid the arrest of the kidnappers.

    He disclosed that Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had given the command five motorcycles to curb crime rate in Ore area.

    “The governor in his magnanimity gave us five motorcycles which we have distributed among the three commands and the result is what we are seeing now.

    “And this was archived with the help of hunters who aided us and told us the inner workings of the forest, the motorcycles and the zeal shown by the hunters in Ore town,” he said.

    NAN

  • Buhari orders immediate repatriation of Nigerians in Libya

    Buhari orders immediate repatriation of Nigerians in Libya

    President Muhammadu Buhari  has ordered the immediate  repatriation of  Nigerians stranded in Libya and other parts of the world for rehabilitation.

    This declaration was made in Abidjan, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by Malam Garba Shehu, President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity

    According to him, the president made this known in an interactive session with members of the Nigerian Community in Cote D’ Ivoire.

    The President vowed to reduce the number of Nigerians heading for Europe illegally through the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea by providing basic social amenities such as education, healthcare, and food security at home, Garba said in the statement.

    According to him, the president said that all necessary steps would be taken to stem the tide of illegal migration by Nigerians.

    He, however, noted that it is very difficult to know the origin of the people who died, while attempting the perilous journey across the Mediterranean, because of lack of documentation.

    “When it was announced that 26 Nigerians died recently in the Mediterranean, before they proved that they were all Nigerians they buried them.

    “The evidence I have from the Senior Special Assistant on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs, (Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa) is that only three of them were identified as Nigerians.

    “But I’ll not be surprised if the majority of them were Nigerians.

    “For people to cross the Sahara desert and Mediterranean through shanty boats… we will try and keep them at home.

    “Anybody who died in the desert and Mediterranean without documents; to prove that he is a Nigerian, there is absolutely nothing we can do.’’

    On the recent footage on the sale of Africans in Libya, he quotes the president as saying, that, “ it was appalling that some Nigerians (in the footage) were being sold like goats for few dollars in Libya.’’

    He said: “after 43 years of Gadhafi, why are they recruiting so many people from the Sahel including Nigerians? All they learned was how to shoot and kill.

    They didn’t learn to be electricians, plumbers or any other trade.’’

    On domestic issues, President Buhari told Nigerians in the Diaspora that “there is good news from home in the area of security, economy and anti-corruption.

    “We are not doing too badly in trying to secure the country, improve the economy and deal with corruption.

    “We are doing our best at all levels including security. It is absolute madness for people to blow others up in markets, churches, and mosques.’’

    According to him, no religion advocates violence, saying that “Justice is the basic thing all religions demand and you can’t go wrong if you do it.’’

    On food security, the President said that his vision of repositioning Nigeria as a food-secure nation was on course as the “country is on the verge of attaining food security.’’

    Read also: 580 more Nigerians to return from Libya this week

    He attributed the development to positive agricultural reform programmes and bumper harvest occasioned by good weather.

    According to the President, interventions through the Anchors Borrows Programme of the CBN and the Presidential Fertilizer Initiative, among others, had been very successful in the agricultural reform initiative.

    “People have gone back to the farm. We got the CBN, agriculture minister and money was provided at very low interest to farmers and the farmers responded and it was very positive.

    “We are lucky that we are in a position to feed ourselves. So we are going to have food security in Nigeria earlier than anybody ever thought,’’ he noted.

    The President advised Nigerians in Cote D’ Ivoire to be good ambassadors in their host country, warning that the Embassy would not hesitate to repatriate those who tarnish the image of the country abroad.

    NAN

  • Baba Sala not dead, says son

    Baba Sala not dead, says son

    Popular actor, Moses Olaiya, popularly known as “ Baba Sala ’’ is alive, his son confirmed on Wednesday.

    Mr Boisala Adejumo, one of Olaiya’s sons debunked the raging rumour that “Baba Sala’’ died on Tuesday – saying that the veteran actor was alive.

    Adejumo said that although his father was frail as could be expected of anyone of his age, “he is hale and hearty.

    Baba Sala is alive so, please save your condolences. My father is over 80 years old and is frail, due to illnesses associated with old age but he is alive.

    “My father is peacefully enjoying his life in Ijesa and he does not have stroke either.”

    Adejumo advised the public to always desist from quickly reacting to information emanating from the social media, noting that information on the social media could be misleading.

    He advised bloggers to always carry thorough investigations and seek clarifications from relevant authorities before posting information on social media.

    “Most bloggers or online reporters are not seasoned journalists. They just post things to attract inflow of traffic to their sites,” Adejumo said.

     Baba Sala  also rumoured to have died some months ago was  born on May 18, 1936. He is hailed from Ijesha, Osun.

    He is an ace actor and a musician, dramatist and a comedian. He could be described as one of the fathers if not even the grand-father of the modern Nigerian comedians.

    He always sings in a spectacular way in all his movies due to his passion for music.

    Baba Sala started his career as a musician of ‘High life’ in  1964 under a brand name of a band known as ‘Federal Rhythm Dandies’.

    The band tutored and guided King of Juju music, Prince Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, popularly known as King Sunny Ade (KSA) where he used to play the ‘Lead Guitar’ role.

    NAN